A major new cultural venue is taking shape in Longhua District, adding fresh momentum to Shenzhen’s growing arts scene. The Dalang Cultural Center, now in its final stages of interior work and equipment installation, is expected to open to the public in the third quarter of this year.

An aerial view of the Dalang Cultural Center under construction in Longhua District, with Yangtai Mountain Forest Park in the background. Photos by Cai Weize

Located near Yangtai Mountain Forest Park, the 64,000-square-meter complex is designed as a multifunctional cultural hub, bringing together performance, reading and community activities in one place. Its facilities will include an 800-seat theater, a 300-seat black box theater, a public cultural center and a themed library highlighting Hakka heritage — offering a mix of international-standard performance spaces and locally rooted cultural experiences.

The architecture emphasizes openness and accessibility. By stacking and interweaving different venues while leaving generous public spaces in between, the design allows visitors to move easily through the complex, encouraging both casual visits and deeper cultural engagement.

Technology and sustainability are also central to the project. Digital building management tools were used throughout construction to improve efficiency, while green materials and energy-saving systems help the project meet China’s national green building standards.

The Dalang Cultural Center takes shape in Longhua District as final construction work progresses ahead of its planned opening later this year.

Once operational, the center will form part of a broader “theater cluster” in Longhua, jointly developed with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. The partnership is expected to bring in high-quality productions and expand access to professional performances for local audiences.

More than just a venue, the Dalang Cultural Center reflects Shenzhen’s wider ambition to enhance everyday cultural life. By combining international-level facilities with community-focused programming, it aims to create a space where residents — and visitors — can easily connect with both contemporary arts and the city’s cultural traditions.